When a tooth becomes infected due to decay or breakage, bacteria from the decay can enter its inner portion, known as the pulp. This part contains nerves and blood vessels in your tooth’s pulp; without treatment it will become severely inflamed with puss and abscesses forming inside it.
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is a non-invasive procedure that cleans, disinfects and seals the inside of a tooth. It’s usually painless, saving your natural tooth while relieving you of discomfort.
The great news is that you’ll be able to chew, smile and enjoy your favorite foods again! Millions of teeth are saved this way every year.
The process entails extracting the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting your tooth’s canals, then filling and sealing them with gutta-percha – an effective method for restoring functionality and preventing infections from returning. After the procedure, it’s essential to continue caring for your teeth properly by brushing and flossing regularly; X-rays may also be taken at regular intervals to guarantee that each tooth remains healthy.
How Does a Root Canal Be Done?
Root canal treatment involves extracting the infected pulp (soft tissue inside your tooth) and cleaning its openings to the root canals. This may take several hours, or require multiple visits for complete treatment.
Your front incisor and canine teeth, premolars and back molars all contain multiple roots. The more roots you have on each tooth, the longer a root canal treatment may take.
Root canal therapy can leave teeth with significant weaknesses, both due to the original breakdown or cavity within the tooth and also because a hole must be made deep inside for access by an Endodontist to access its root canals for treatment. As a result, teeth that have undergone root canal therapy often need additional strengthening with crowns in order to regain full functionality.
What Is the Pain of a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is a non-surgical procedure that alleviates tooth pain caused by inflamed pulp at its core. This inflammation is commonly seen with dental decay, trauma or cracked teeth.
At a root canal, your dentist extracts the infected pulp inside your tooth, cleans and disinfects the space, then fills and seals it to prevent further infection.
After a root canal, you may experience some sensitivity or pain; however, this should only last a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any discomfort you may be feeling.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure in which the dentist extracts infected pulp from within the tooth to eliminate infection and prevent it from returning. After doing this, they clean, shape, and disinfect the inner portion of the tooth for added safety.
Once the infected nerve and pulp have been extracted, a dentist seals and fills the tooth to prevent bacteria from returning. A crown is then placed over it to restore both its aesthetic appearance and functional ability.
Root canals generally have a high success rate, but can fail if the tooth is fractured or its internal anatomy is complex. In these instances, dental implants offer much better prospects.
How Much Will a Root Canal Cost?
Root canal therapy is an essential treatment for teeth that have been damaged or infected, and involves extracting the soft inner center of the tooth – known as the pulp.
Additionally, this procedure eliminates the infection and helps protect your tooth from becoming infected again in the future. Plus, it’s more cost-effective than extracting the entire tooth!
The cost of a root canal depends on your dental office and the tooth that needs treatment. Molars (back teeth) tend to be the most costly because they require more work for treatment.
Root canals are typically covered by dental insurance, though you should still verify your coverage to make sure you’re getting all of your benefits.